Many psychoactive drugs and illicitly used prescription drugs impair a person’s ability to drive safely and make sound judgements. Hence, driving under the influence of such substances is a major traffic offence. These substances are classified as illicit drugs, which include illicitly used prescription drugs, drugs prohibited under the definition of the Drug Misuse and Trafficking Act 1985 (NSW) and any other drugs included under statutory rules. Some of the drugs mentioned in the Drug Misuse and Trafficking Act may be specifically excluded by statutory rules. Illicit use of prescription drugs is the use of pharmaceutical drugs not for the intended medical use but for recreational use, which is also termed as drug abuse.

Testing process

The law enforcement authorities any other authorised government personnel are empowered to conduct random stop checks of vehicle drivers. The tests, in whatever form, are mandatory and refusing to take them is a traffic offence itself. Preliminary tests for detecting cannabis, ecstasy and methamphetamine can be conducted during roadside checks by the police using portable testing equipment. The equipment uses saliva test in order to give a preliminary indication of such substances. If the test is positive, then the test is repeated. If it again turns out to be positive, then the person is immediately instructed not to drive for 24 hours, and the saliva sample is sent to a laboratory for conclusive analysis. The police may also decide to take the subject to the hospital for testing and collect blood and urine samples for further laboratory analysis. These laboratory analyses are permissible evidence in court for prosecution, the roadside test results are considered as a preliminary indicator and not sufficiently reliable to constitute an irrefutable evidence in court.

For detecting cocaine and morphine, the roadside saliva test is not sufficient. If the police have reasonable grounds to believe that the driver had been driving under influence, or if the driver had been a part of an accident, then they may take him to the hospital despite negative results on the saliva test in order to obtain blood and urine samples. These samples are sent to laboratory for conclusive analysis. All the aforementioned substances such as ecstasy, cannabis, methamphetamine, cocaine etc. are all treated as far as imposition of penalty goes.

Penalties if successfully prosecuted

If charged with presence of illicit drugs in oral fluid, blood or urine, one is tried in court. If defended successfully, the court has the ability to afford leniency or dismiss the charges. Hiring a traffic infringement lawyer can help you mount a successful defence.

If prosecuted, for first time offenders, the penalty for having illicit drug in oral fluid, blood or urine is as follows:

A fine of up to $1100

Disqualification from driving for at least 3 months and automatic disqualification of 6 months, though there is no maximum limit for disqualification

For second or subsequent offence within 5 years, the penalty is as follows:

A fine of up to $2200

Disqualification from driving for at least 6 months and automatic disqualification of one year.